Justine Haigh, PhD

Justine holds a PhD in consumer behavior, with a focus on narrative theory (how consumers use storytelling to narrate their experiences and make sense of their lives), and is a professor at George Fox University within the school's DBA, part-time, and full-time MBA programs.

As a result of the strength of her research, Justine has achieved a number of awards, as well as being published in journals and several newspapers and magazines. She is the unique combination of researcher, professor and practitioner, continually learning and researching to improve the wider community.

Justine is highly engaged in the power of storytelling and consumer behavior, with a driving commitment to make a lasting difference in people’s lives. One of Justine’s key projects is assisting young adults with autism find creative and meaningful long-term work. Her concern for being involved in this project spans from firsthand experience as the parent of an autistic teenage son, Daniel.

Education Background

Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Behavior (2008), University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK

Master of Arts in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (1999), University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK

Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences, (1994), University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK

Prior Work Experience not in Education

Senior Research Assistant (2005–2006): Conducted quantitative study for the Cheshire County Council Road Safety Department exploring the impact of Driver Enhancement Courses on the attitudes and behaviors of young car drivers (University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK)

Research Assistant (2001-2002): Collaborated with the director of the University of Huddersfield’s Leisure Consumer Research Centre on the Motorcycle Industry Association Project investigating the perceptions, attitudes, and behavior of motorcycling participants (University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK)

Professional Conferences/Workshops Attended

Publications/Conferences

Haigh, Justine (wrote/provided input) and Freitag, Courtney (magazine editor) (July 2014) Specturms Magazine. Article on the collaboration between nonPareil Institute and George Fox University, March 2014 Game Programming Camp. Spectrums magazine is a specialized magazine dedicated to families living with autism in the Northwest.

Haigh, Justine (provided input) and Sara Kelm (journalist) (July 2014) George Fox Journal. Personal interest article featuring the collaboration between nonPareil Institute and George Fox University. The George Fox Journal is a specialized university magazine distributed to the George Fox community (families, students, and stakeholders).

Haigh, Justine (June 2014) Created the COB’s DBA brochure, “Transforming Business with Competence, Character, and Contribution.” Conducted qualitative research with DBA students to develop core themes/DBA program USP’s. The brochure is a key marketing tool for the George Fox University DBA program.

Haigh, Justine (wrote PR) and Freitag, Courtney (magazine editor) (April 2013) “Training Educators on the Dangers of Wandering.” Specturms, p. 25-26. Worked with Dennis Debbaudt (2012/2013) the director of Autism Risk and Safety Management to produce production quality videos for schools on autism awareness. The collaboration was a key article in the April edition of Spectrums magazine.

Haigh, Justine and Halley, Ryan (April 2013) Created UG brochure “Beyond Business; the Transformative Power of Business Degree from George Fox University.” Conducted qualitative research with UG students, alumni, and stakeholders to develop core themes/UG program USP’s. The brochure is a key marketing tool for the George Fox University UG program.

Haigh, Justine, Nemetz, Annette, and Sepich, Debora (April 2012) “Real World Project Integration into the Classroom; Actively Engaging with Entrepreneurs and Local Small Business for Future Student Placements and Internships.” Marketing Educators Association Conference Proceedings, Long Beach, Calif.

Helped Autism Risk and Safety Management to produce production quality videos for schools on autism awareness. The goal is to incorporate the materials into school in-service training days at the beginning of the 2014/15 school year in Oregon and then nationwide.

Joined the George Fox University Faculty Women’s Leadership Development 2012- 2013 cohort. The WLDI aims to develop leadership potential and skills among women who are employed by George Fox University. Participated in on-line dialogues, monthly group gatherings, and individual mentor-mentee meetings. The course specifically focused on leadership development within the context of Christian higher education.

Participated in the George Fox University Faculty Learning Community on Developing Global and Cultural Competency (2011-2012). The purpose of the faculty learning community is to create a space for meaningful dialogue to assist professors in personal and professional development in the area of cultural competency.

Participated in the George Fox University Second Year Professional Learning Community (2010-2011).

Attended a variety of conferences to keep up to date with the latest qualitative research methods including the Narrative Memory and Everyday Life Conference (2005) as well as the Narrative Memory and Life Transitions Conference (2003), both held in the Behavioural Sciences Department at the University of Huddersfield.

Attended and presented at a variety of marketing conferences (2001-2009).

Took (MA) courses in Social Research and Evaluation in the Behavioral Sciences Dept. at the University of Huddersfield during PhD studies in order to gain the skills to carry out a range of social research (2002).

PhD Supervisor (2008) Exploring the Impact of Corporate Branding and Nostalgia for Long-term Organizational Profitability and Future Marketing Action. (Student research for UK-based company Fox’s Biscuits).

MBA and MSc dissertation supervision (2003-2009)

Member of the Leisure Consumer Research Group a research unit within the University of Huddersfield Business School which conducts postgraduate research into adventurous leisure activities. (2001 – 2007).

Recognition and Honors

Woman Scholar of the Year, British Federation of Women Graduates (2004).

Academic Scholarships for PhD and Master’s Degrees, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK

Professionally Related Community Activities

Volunteer Business Engagement Director (2013-Present). Work with nonPareil Institute to help extend its brand to the Northwest. nonPareil is a Texas based non-profit technology company, intent on finding meaningful employment opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum.

Created an on-line Indiegogo fund-raising campaign.

Helped establish nonPareil Portland website and Facebook page.

Teamed up with CENG at George Fox University to host a game programming camp. The founder of nonPareil Institute came to George Fox to teach camp along with two of his student/staff trainers.

Created partnerships with schools, other institutions of higher education, autism support groups, autism services, and a variety of active industry partners in order to create a network of opportunities for those affected with ASD in the Northwest.

Branding and Marketing Consultant (2011-Present). Work with brand consultant Charlena Miller and logo designer Ashley Lippard, to assist a variety of for profit and not-for-profit organizations in the areas of brand development and marketing communications.

Advisory Board Memberships

Advisory board member for Equality Funds Portland, LLC, a company that advances equality for the LGBT community through investment and entrepreneurial persuasion (2012-present).

Advisory board member for PT/MBA community consulting project, McCall College Program for Students with Autism, McCall, Idaho (2013-present).